Chapter 1: Embracing Influences

Art has the potential to teach us much more than mere admiration for our favorite artists.

I recall a piece of advice I received some time ago: “Don’t focus on learning everything about the artists you admire; instead, delve into their influences.” The curious mind thrives on a continual journey of learning, providing us the opportunity to experiment with this idea.

The array of inspirations behind our beloved musicians, writers, and filmmakers is so vast that it often leaves us astonished and sometimes bewildered. While some connections are straightforward and predictable, others are quite unusual—like heavy metal artists primarily inspired by classical composers, or electronic musicians who draw from traditional folk songwriting, and sci-fi writers who are fans of noir.

Every time I have explored these unexpected paths (and I admit, I could do so more often), I have encountered surprising results. Admittedly, the art I uncovered wasn't always to my taste; being a fan of someone doesn’t automatically translate to enjoying the influences that shaped their work. Yet, these explorations have consistently enriched my reservoir of ideas.

Additionally, once we grasp the underlying principles, we can extend this practice beyond the realm of art. Engaging with the works that inspired familiar artists allows us to forge connections. For instance, Tom Waits, one of the most uniquely eccentric songwriters, famously described his method of simultaneously playing multiple radios and sitting amidst the chaos. In this cacophony, he would uncover patterns among songs he wouldn't typically choose to listen to, revealing unforeseen relationships among diverse elements.

The key takeaway here is that when learning from someone, it's more beneficial to absorb their way of thinking rather than merely memorizing the information they present. Knowledge can always be acquired, but the skill of learning how to learn is much rarer.

Written amidst a backdrop of silence, distant traffic, and the occasional flutter of an overly excited pigeon.

Thank you for taking the time to read this! Your support means a lot to me.

Chapter 2: Who Am I?

I am both a musician and a writer, navigating through the realms of creativity. You can dive deeper into my world here.

The first video discusses the importance of starting a project before getting bogged down in learning every detail. It's a reminder that action often leads to greater understanding.

The second video explores effective study tips that are often overlooked, emphasizing ways to learn efficiently without wasting valuable time.